How To Build A $499 Mini AMD Ryzen Gaming PC With WiFi And SSD

If you need a small, cheap PC to head to college with or just want something small for a compact gaming rig, then below you can see my guide on how to build the perfect small and upgradable mini PC using one of AMD's new Ryzen CPUs with Radeon Vega graphics. It's slightly different to my last $500 PC, as it uses the cheaper Ryzen 3 2200G processor to offset the cost a slightly more expensive mini-ITX motherboard and case. However, you still get four CPU cores and it's perfect if you're a casual gamer at up to 1080p resolution and want a tiny PC that has space for some future upgrades too.

The PC costs less than $490 and has a quad-core Ryzen CPU, Radeon Vega graphics, an SSD and WiFi.Antony Leather

You can see my full step by step guide below or check out my in-depth video guide over on YouTube.

You can see my review of AMD's Ryzen CPUs with Radeon Vega graphics, and as you can see, the Ryzen 3 2200G APU is able to offer reasonable gaming performance at 1080p without a deparate graphics card in older games such as Fallout 4 if you dial down the settings, while you'll be looking at 1600 x 900 for more modern titles such as Deus Ex. That's fine, though, because you could pair the PC with a super-cheap monitor too such as the popular 20in HP W2082a, which costs around $80. You also get four cores, so the Ryzen 3 2200G can keep up with Intel's Core i3-8100 outside of games too. Alternatively, the Ryzen 5 2400G is probably the better option for solid 1080p gaming, but you'll need to spend a little more. It also comes with a processor cooler so you don't need a separate one.

8GB is the minimum I'd consider for a modern PC and in the wake of sky-high memory prices, while I'd like to suggest 16GB here, it still costs a fortune so for a budget build, 8GB is your best option and will be enough for what you'd be asking of a $500 PC anyway. Speed does matter, though, as does opting for two modules in dual-channel mode as AMD's APUs see big performance hits with slow memory or single channel mode. 3000MHz is somewhat of a sweet spot so I've gone for the tried and tested Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000MHz.

There's aren't too many options for a budget mini-ITX Ryzen system, but the Gigabyte AB-350N-Gaming WiFi is perfect for the Ryzen 3 2200G. The only issue you may come across is picking up a sample that needs a BIOS update to support AMD's APUs, including our 2200G, but AMD will send you a BIOS update kit including a loaned CPU so you can update your board for free. You also get WiFi onboard and plenty of USB ports as well as display outputs so you don't need a separate graphics card.

Cooler Master has a range of mini-ITX cases, but one of the cheapest and smallest out there is the Elite 110. There are smaller options for a graphics card-less system, but I've opted for it here as it will allow you to drop in a separate graphics card at a later date for a performance-boosting upgrade, it supports all-in-one liquid cooler and you can use a standard ATX-size power supply. Amazon has a $10 rebate on the Elite 110 at the moment too.

I consider an SSD an essential component even for a $500 PC as it makes your system so more responsive and programs open quicker too. I've used SanDisk's SSD Plus in a few builds now and it's one of the best value SSDs out there at less than $70 for 240GB. You could opt for the 500GB version for $109 or pair with a hard disk such as the WD Blue 1TB for less than $50, if you need more space - the case supports up to two hard disks and SSDs at the same time.

The system is unlikely to draw more than 150W even if you overclock the processor, but at just $42, the Cooler Master MasterWatt Lite 500W is a bargain and provides loads of headroom should you want to upgrade in future.

The included cooler won't be needing these as it screws directly to the backplate for a firm mount. Remove them using a crosshead screwdriver and put them and the clips in the motherboard box for safe keeping.

Install the processor;

Install the Ryzen processorAntony Leather

With the top of the Ryzen logo pointing towards the memory slots, insert the processor gently into the socket and then lower the latch down locking it in place.

Install the processor cooler

Install the processor coolerAntony Leather

With the protruding AMD logo edge pointing towards the I/O ports, screw the cooler into the four threads in the backplate protruding through the motherboard. It has thermal paste pre-applied so you don't need to buy any.

Connect the cooler fan

Connect the cooler fanAntony Leather

Find the grey 4-pin fan header and connect the CPU cooler fan cable to this. You can select from a variety of fan speed modes in the EFI or using Gigabyte's software in Windows.

Install the memory

Most mini-ITX boards have two memory slots so go ahead and install both the modules making sure that both ends click into place.

Install the motherboard

Install the motherboardAntony Leather

First install the gold motherboard standoffs provided with the case as these will raise the motherboard off the base of the case so it can align with the rear port holes. Then install the I/O shield that came with your motherboard into the rear of the case before screwing the motherboard in position.

Connect the case fan

Connect the case fan cableAntony Leather

The other 4-pin fan header can be used to power the Elite 110's single 120mm case fan. It's located near the USB 3 header in the corner of the motherboard.

Connect the front panel cables

Connect the front panel cablesAntony Leather

The motherboard front panel headers, including those for the power button and lights, are located next to the USB 3 header and are labeled, but your motherboard manual will clarify which connectors go where.

Connect the USB 3 cable

The case has two USB 3 ports and these need to be connected to the motherboard's USB 3 header to function. This is next to the SATA ports.

Install the SSD

Install the SSDAntony Leather

The SSD uses rubber mounts and screws to secure to the case so use the case's manual to identify them, screw them to the SSD and then slot it into place in one of the 2.5in mounts inside the case.

Connect the SATA cable

Connect the SATA cableAntony Leather

The motherboard comes with a SATA data cable so use one to connect one of the motherboard's four SATA ports to the SSD.

Connect the 24-pin ATX power cable

Connect the motherboard power cableAntony Leather

Feed the power supply power cables in through the roof of the case and then connect the 24-pin ATX connector to the port on the motherboard.

Connect the 8-pin CPU power cable

Now do the same with the 8-pin CPU power connector, which is tucked just behind the motherboard's I/O panel ports.

Connect the SSD SATA power cable

Connect the SSD power cableAntony Leather

Finally, connect a SATA power connector to the power port on the SSD before threading the cables neatly through the chassis so you can lower the power supply into place.

Install the power supply

Install the power supplyAntony Leather

I've installed the power supply with the fan pointing downwards as this will mean liquid spills on the case won't seep down into it - a good thing - and also the fan will exhaust warm air out of the chassis.

Connect the WiFi aerial

Connect the WiFi aerialAntony Leather

The Gigabyte motherboard includes WiFi and a magnetic aerial so attach the two screw connectors to the ports on the rear of the motherboard if you want to use it.

Tidy the cables

It's important to gather the cables together and make sure none can interfere with the case fan or cooler fans. The case includes several cable ties so use these to anchor the cables in bunches.

Attach the WiFi aerial

Attach the WiFi aerialAntony Leather

Finally, you can attach the WiFi aerial to the rear of the case. It's magnetic so you can secure it wherever you like if this location isn't convenient.

You can now connect your PC to a monitor and install Windows and all your programs. The easiest way to do that is to buy it online so you get an official keycode, then use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool to install it on to a 4GB or larger USB stick - this one is perfect and costs just $6. That's it! It's a super-quick, easy and quiet PC to build and is perfect for throwing in the back of your car and heading to college or a friend's house plus makes total sense if you have limited space. If you have any questions on the build feel free to reach out at any of the social media links below.